Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Carlisle Bay broke the mould of Caribbean tourism when it opened, turning style and design in the area completely on its head. The traditional Caribbean, the bright tropical colours and gingerbread, and the generally over-easy atmosphere, were sidelined and in their place came something with more metropolitan sophistication.

It is situated on the magnificent undeveloped south coast of Antigua, set in a sweeping bay on a ravishing beach with a backdrop of rolling hills and lush tropical rainforest. Just thirty minutes drive from the airport and the tiny bustling capital of St Johns and twenty minutes from Nelson's Dockyard and English Harbour.

Carlisle Bay is the creation of British hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray (of the stylish and fashionable One Aldwych in London) and it marked something new for the islands. It will appeal to a discerning and savvy traveller, partly for its newness to be sure, but also for the timelessness of its tropical setting, which is all about encouraging you to relax. Which Carlisle Bay is ideally designed to do - the hotel is exquisite and has a wonderful atmosphere of tropical cool and calm.

Like One Aldwych, Carlisle Bay is all about quiet drama, which designer Mary Fox Linton has achieved by employing the same winning combination of style and subtlety. The 82 suites are large and airy: pale-grey shells stocked with contemporary dark-wood furniture and Asian-style accessories in muted oranges, greens and purples. The service is efficient, discreet and effortlessly low-key.

FACILITIES

The hotel has a leather-seated screening room, a library, nine tennis courts (4 floodlit), and there is calm, clear water for snorkelling and sailing. Kite-surfing, deep-sea fishing and water skiing are available nearby at an additional charge.

Carlisle Bay has two of Antigua's most outstanding restaurants - Indigo on the Beach offering delicious healthy grills, barbecues, seafood and salads, and East Restaurant serving exciting Asian food in a stunning contemporary setting. It also has Ottimo!, the pool side restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes from a wood-burning oven.

The award-winning Blue Spa at Carlisle Bay at 17,000 square feet with a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills and rainforest is a perfect setting for inspiring peace, calm and contemplation - A fabulous environment for complete relaxation.

There are six luxurious treatment rooms, including one dedicated wet treatment room and a couple's treatment room, all using natural products from Natura Bissé. There is a sauna, 2 plunge pools, a hair salon, juice bar, chill out zone, a yoga and Pilates pavilion and state-of-the-art gymnasium.

Health, wellbeing and feeling fantastic . . . all three fundamental to Carlisle Bay's philosophy.

For children aged 6 months - 6 yrs, the Cool Kids Club offers daily supervised activities (complimentary for ages 2 yrs and over). During the school holidays, Crew Blue (7-12 yrs) and Crush (13-18 yrs) offer a fantastic variety of activities and events designed for older children.

LOCATION

Carlisle Bay, 30 minutes drive from V.C. Bird International Airport.

ROOMS & SUITES

82 suites - Junior to three bedroom featuring :

Garden Suite - 72 sq m

Spacious, split-level rooms with an open-plan bedroom and sitting room. The king-size bed sleeps two adults. Views are mainly of the gardens, which are full of tropical foliage, with partial views of the Caribbean sea. Two pairs of Garden Suites interconnect.

Beach Suite - 73 sq m

Located on the family half of the resort, the Beach Suites feature a studio-style king-bedded master bedroom with direct views of the bay and a second bedroom with twin beds so you do not need a second suite.

Beach Balcony Suites are upper-level suites with a second bedroom with twin beds, making the rooms appropriate for two adults and two children (aged from 6 to 15), with cots available for babies. The balcony of the master bedroom looks towards the beach.

Beach Terrace Suite rooms are on the ground level to provide direct beach access. The configuration is the same as the Beach Balcony Suites - with a second twin bedroom accommodating children up to the age of 15 (cots are available for babies). The ease of stepping out on to the sand is what makes these rooms stand out.

Ocean Suite: 73 sq m

Spacious, split-level, open plan bedroom/sitting room, the Ocean Suites have king-size beds and sleep up to two adults. Located on the calm end of the beach, they are perfect for those in seeking peace and quiet. They have exceptional sea views, and have an uncluttered, luxury design. Four pairs of Ocean Suites can interconnect.

Carlisle Suite A: 163 sq m

Three bedrooms, two with king-size beds and one with twin beds - all en suite,  large sitting room and kitchen.  Carlisle Suites sleep up to six adults or can take up to two adults and four children.

Carlisle Suite B: 180 sq m

Three bedrooms, two with king-size beds and one with twin beds - all en suite, large sitting room and kitchen.  Carlisle Suites sleep up to six adults or can take up to two adults and four children.

Carlisle Suites B are very similar to Carlisle Suites A but two of the double bedrooms have ocean views and there is a large wrap-around balcony. 

SPECIAL INFORMATION

Children under 12 years are not permitted in Ocean or Garden Suites. Children under 6 years can only be accommodated in Beach Terrace Suites and are not permitted in East after 8pm. The hotel will be closed between 25 August - 12 October. Minimum 10 night stay over Christmas and New Year. No arrivals permitted 25 - 31 December.

DINING OPTIONS

Bed & Breakfast / Half Board / Full Board / All-Inclusive

PRICES

Please call for prices